Engineer II, CMC Development Operations

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; Norwood (MA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Well-being resources

Family planning benefits

Paid time off

Savings & investments

Location-specific perks

Job summary

Moderna's Technology Center in Norwood, MA seeks an Engineer II to support pilot-scale nucleic acid and formulated product operations, transferring processes from bench to pilot scale and generating DNA/RNA/LNP/DP for developmental studies.

You will work independently with cross-functional partners to drive tech transfer, optimize processes, author SOPs, and lead batch activities while ensuring GDP, safety, and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in life sciences, chemistry, engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, or related technical field.
• 2 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree or more with a Master’s degree.
• On-site role at Moderna site in Norwood; remote work not available.

Responsibilities

• Lead or contribute to DNA/RNA/LNP/DP processes with tech transfer and optimization.
• Serve as batch lead; troubleshoot in real time to ensure success.
• Propose solutions to technical gaps and process deviations.
• Collaborate with Process Development and Analytical teams to support tech transfer.
• Distill batch data to inform improvements and decisions.
• Author and optimize SOPs and protocols; support training.
• Provide operational leadership during batches and mentor teammates.
• Apply operational excellence to workflows, lab organization, and efficiency.
• Identify and mitigate safety, process, and compliance risks; uphold GDP.

Skills

Process development

Technology transfer

Scale-up

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Batch execution

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tools

mRNA/DNA synthesis

LNP formulation

Tangential Flow Filtration

Job description

The Role:

The Operations Science and Technology team is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Engineer II to support pilot-scale nucleic acid and formulated nucleic acid product operations. This role is responsible for transferring processes from bench to pilot scale and generating DNA/RNA/LNP/DP for developmental and tox studiers, enabling first-time filings and commercial updates. This is an onsite role based in Moderna’s Technology Center campus in Norwood, MA.

In this role, you will execute independently while partnering cross-functionally to implement robust, scalable processes. You will take increasing ownership of technical projects, contribute to technology transfer activities, and proactively identify and resolve process challenges in a fast-paced environment.

Here’s What You’ll Do:

• Lead or contribute to technical projects with increasing ownership related to DNA/RNA/LNP/DP processes, including technology transfer, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives




• Serve as a batch lead supporting execution, propose troubleshooting in real time to ensure successful outcomes




• Propose and implement solutions to technical challenges, gaps, and process deviations




• Collaborate cross-functionally with Process Development, Analytical, and other teams to support tech transfer and process robustness




• Distill and communicate batch-related data to inform process improvements and decision-making




• Author and optimize technical documentation, including SOPs and protocols, and support training of team members




• Provide operational leadership during batches, guide junior team members, and align stakeholders on project goals




• Apply operational excellence principles to improve workflows, lab organization, and execution efficiency




• Identify and mitigate risks, including safety, process, and operational risks; elevate when appropriate




• Maintain compliance with GDP practices, safety procedures, and environmental regulations

Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related/relevant technical discipline




• Experience: 2 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree or minimal experience with a Master’s degree.




• This position is site-based, requiring you to be at Moderna’s site full-time. This position is not eligible for remote work.

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

• Advanced degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, Data Science, or a related technical discipline preferred.




• 2 to 3 years of relevant experience with a Master’s degree, or 3 to 5 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree preferred.




• Hands-on experience in process development or operations, including one or more: enzymatic reactions, chromatography, tangential flow filtration, formulation of biologics




• Demonstrated ability to execute and troubleshoot processes independently in a fast-paced environment




• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams




• Experience with mRNA/DNA synthesis, LNP formulation, and/or drug product processes




• Experience in technology transfer and scale-up of processes




• Demonstrated ability to own and drive technical projects or workstreams




• Ability to analyze complex datasets and translate findings into actionable improvements




• Proven ability to expand technical skillset and operate across multiple process areas

Pay & Benefits

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work. That’s why our benefits and well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

• Competitive healthcare, plus voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs


• A holistic approach to well-being, with access to fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support


• Family planning benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support


• Generous paid time off, including vacation, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown


• Savings and investments to help you plan for the future


• Location-specific perks and extras

The salary range for this role is $74,000.00 - $118,400.00. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An individual’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, performance, and business or organizational needs.The successful candidate may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, other incentive compensation, or equity award, subject to company plan eligibility criteria and individual performance.

About Moderna

Since our founding in 2010, we have aspired to build the leading mRNA technology platform, the infrastructure to reimagine how medicines are created and delivered, and a world-class team. We believe in giving our people a platform to change medicine and an opportunity to change the world.

By living our mission, values, and mindsets every day, our people are the driving force behind our scientific progress and our culture. Together, we are creating a culture of belonging and building an organization that cares deeply for our patients, our employees, the environment, and our communities.

We are proud to have been recognized as a Science Magazine Top Biopharma Employer, a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators, and a Great Place to Work in the U.S.

Our Working Model

As we build our company, we have always believed an in-person culture is critical to our success. Moderna champions the significant benefits of in-office collaboration by embracing a 70/30 work model. This 70% in-office structure helps to foster a culture rich in innovation, teamwork, and direct mentorship. Join us in shaping a world where every interaction is an opportunity to learn, contribute, and make a meaningful impact.

Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free work environment.

Equal Opportunities

Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry or citizenship, ethnicity, disability, military or protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable law.Moderna is a place where everyone can grow.

Moderna is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

Accommodations

We’re focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees. By cultivating a workplace that values diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we create an environment where every employee can contribute their best.

Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should contact the Accommodations team at [e-mail].

-

Export Control NoticeThis position may involve access to technology or data that is subject to U.S. export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such, employment is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to access export-controlled information in accordance with U.S. law. Only U.S. persons (U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, asylees, or refugees) are currently eligible to access such information without an export license. Candidates who do not meet these criteria may still be considered, contingent on the company’s ability to obtain any required export control license.

-